Already the first edition under the title „Das Spiel mit dem Tod – So kämpften Roms Gladiatoren“ published in 2000 became pretty soon a standard for scholars and re-enactors of gladiators. And this with reason! In a detailed manner Junkelmann explains the origins of the gladiatura and the relation of the gladiator types, in the course of which he refers to older works of other authors following their argumentation or disproving it. In detail he describes the particular pieces of armor especially the helmets which he classifies fully. Even the weapons – clearly put into order – are described in detail. Highlighted is everything with many photos and ample captions. There are references to the pictures even if it refers to depiction in another part of the book. In the annex is a detailed catalog of original finds, mostly from Pompeii, which are listed with their technical details such as material and dimensions. The field reports of the members of the Familia Gladiatoria Pulli Cornicinis round the whole thing off.
The new edition with the shorter title „Gladiatoren – Das Spiel mit dem Tod“ is based substantially on the edition of 2000. The newest perceptions are to be found in the back part of the book but references in the original text make it easy to find the corresponding part of the new knowledge. Very good sketches of nearly all the gladiatorial graffiti from Pompeii have been added as well as many photos of combat scenes of the “Junkelmann” gladiator troupe. Also the list of contents and the list of gladiator names have been extended. The latest articles and books have been added to the extensive book list as well as field reports of the new members of Junkelmann’s gladiator troupe.
Regrettably still no index has been added to the new edition.
For someone new to the topic „gladiators“ this work might be too detailed but once somebody wants to read more about this thrilling subject it is inevitable to read the „Junkelmann“. The publisher is negotiating about a translation into English but no details are yet known. These will be announced here in due course.